Frequently
Asked Questions
Whether you're scheduling your first asphalt sealing service or planning your next maintenance cycle, it's natural to have questions. How often should you sealcoat? What do you need to do before we arrive? What's normal to see after a fresh seal- and what isn't?
We've answered all of it here, based on the questions our customers across Knox, Licking, Richland, Marion, Morrow, Delaware, and Ashland counties ask us most. Browse by category here, and if you don't find what you're looking for, call us directly at 740-501-4398.
Crack Sealing FAQs
Why should cracks in my asphalt be sealed?
Asphalt is a living surface- it expands and contracts with temperature changes, and over time it oxidizes, shrinks, and develops cracks. Left untreated, those cracks allow water to penetrate down to the base layer of your pavement. In Ohio's climate, that water freezes in winter and expands, widening the crack with every cycle until what started as a small surface crack becomes a deep structural failure. The good news: properly sealed cracks can more than double or even triple the effective service life of your pavement. Crack sealing is one of the most cost-effective asphalt maintenance treatments available- far less expensive than the pothole repair or full repaving that deferred maintenance eventually requires.
Can all types of cracks be sealed?
No- and it's important to understand the difference before scheduling service. Crack sealing is effective on straight-line cracks larger than 1/16th of an inch in width. These are structural cracks that have not yet compromised the base layer, and hot-applied sealant can stop water infiltration and stabilize them effectively. Alligator cracking- the interconnected, web-like pattern that resembles a reptile's scales- cannot be sealed with standard crack sealant. If you have alligator cracking, it means water has already penetrated to the subgrade layer of your pavement, which is a sign of significant structural deterioration. Standard sealant won't hold in this condition.
Why can't alligator cracks be sealed?
Alligator cracks indicate that water has already reached and compromised the subgrade- the foundational layer beneath your pavement. At that stage, the pavement surface is no longer structurally sound, and applying crack sealant over it would be ineffective and short-lived. For alligator cracking, Black Cat uses GATORPAVE - a premium-grade blacktop resurfacer specifically engineered for the repair of alligator-cracked surfaces. This product stabilizes and resurfaces the damaged area before any sealcoating is applied, giving the surface a proper foundation again. If you're seeing alligator cracking on your driveway or parking lot, let us assess it during your free estimate.
What types of cracks or surface defects cannot be sealed?
There are two categories of defects that crack sealant cannot address: Sealer buildup cracks- If your asphalt has been sealed too frequently over many years, the accumulated layers of sealer can develop cracks that look structural but are not. These are surface-level and confined to the sealer itself, not the pavement underneath. Applying more sealant won't fix them, and crack sealant isn't the appropriate treatment. Surface indentations and depressions- Sealant is a liquid protective coating, not a filler material. It will not smooth out dips, divots, low spots, or indentations in the pavement surface. These require a different repair approach, which we'll identify and discuss with you during the estimate.
Can you seal cracks along the edge of the asphalt?
Edge cracks can sometimes be sealed depending on their width, depth, and the condition of the pavement surrounding them. However, edge cracking is often an indicator of shoulder settlement or drainage issues rather than surface-only deterioration. During your estimate, we'll assess edge cracks specifically and give you a straight answer on what's treatable and what may require additional work.
Is there anything I need to do before you arrive for crack sealing?
Yes - a few simple steps from you make a significant difference in the quality of the finished result: 1. Clear the area completely. All vehicles, equipment, trash cans, basketball hoops, and any other items need to be moved off the driveway or parking lot before we arrive, so we can access and seal every crack agreed upon. 2. Keep the surface dry. Crack sealant will not bond to a wet surface. Do not use a hose or water to clean the asphalt before our visit. If the surface is wet from rain, we may need to reschedule. 3. No power washing immediately before service. If cleaning is needed, do it at least 24–48 hours in advance so the surface has time to fully dry.
Sealcoating FAQs
Why should I sealcoat my asphalt driveway or parking lot?
Sealcoating is the single most effective preventative maintenance treatment you can apply to asphalt pavement. Here's what it does: Protects against UV oxidation — sunlight breaks down the asphalt binder over time, causing the surface to gray, dry out, and become brittle. Sealcoating blocks UV rays and slows this process dramatically. Repels water, oil, and chemical damage — a sealed surface resists moisture penetration, de-icing chemicals, gas and oil spills, and other common contaminants that accelerate pavement deterioration. Extends pavement life by up to 20 years — when used as part of a preventative maintenance plan with regular inspections and timely crack sealing, sealcoating can add decades to the life of your pavement. Restores appearance — sealcoating gives your driveway or parking lot a fresh, deep, uniform finish that looks like newly laid asphalt. The bottom line: routine sealcoating costs a fraction of what repaving or major repairs cost. It's the smart investment for any property owner who wants to protect their asphalt for the long term.
How often should I have my asphalt sealcoated?
We recommend sealcoating every three to five years for most residential driveways and commercial parking lots — though the right interval depends on how much traffic your surface sees and what it's regularly exposed to (chemicals, heavy vehicles, intense sun, etc.). A few important guidelines: Don't seal too frequently. Applying sealcoat more often than necessary causes sealer to build up in layers. Over time this buildup develops its own surface cracks, which cannot be sealed. While not a structural problem, it's unsightly and wasteful. Newly paved surfaces need time. If your driveway or parking lot was recently paved, wait at least one full year before sealcoating. Fresh asphalt contains oils that need time to off-gas and cure. Sealing too early prevents proper bonding. That said, the longer you wait beyond that first year, the greater the risk of surface damage — so don't delay indefinitely either. Annual inspections are recommended. Even if your surface doesn't need sealcoating yet, having it looked at each year allows small problems to be caught and addressed before they grow.
What do I need to do to prepare for my sealcoating appointment?
Getting your property ready before we arrive ensures we can work efficiently and deliver the best possible result. Here's what we ask: Clear the area 20–40 feet beyond the work zone. Vehicles, equipment, basketball hoops, patio furniture, trash bins, and anything else near the pavement needs to be moved before our scheduled arrival. This protects your belongings from sealant overspray and gives our crew room to work safely and efficiently. Old sealer on buildings or belongings. During your estimate, we'll inspect for any existing sealer overspray on structures, walls, or belongings adjacent to the work area. Anything found at that point is pre-existing and will not be our responsibility to clean up. Remove excess mud and debris. Heavy accumulations of packed mud on the surface need to be cleared before we arrive. We recommend power washing the affected areas at least 24–48 hours before your scheduled service so the surface has time to fully dry. We'll go over this with you at the estimate. Address any moss growth. If moss is present on your asphalt, it must be removed before sealing — moss prevents sealant from bonding to the surface. If we need to remove it ourselves, there will be an additional fee. We'll discuss this at the time of the estimate. Avoid chemicals and water on the surface. Do not use water hoses or chemical treatments on your pavement 24–48 hours before your appointment. Standing water, wet surfaces, or freshly applied chemicals will interfere with sealant adhesion and may require us to reschedule. Rain policy. If rain is in the forecast on your scheduled day or within 24 hours before it, we will need to reschedule. We do our best to plan around the weather, but Ohio weather doesn't always cooperate. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience — our goal is always to deliver the best possible result, and wet conditions make that impossible.
When can I walk or drive on my newly sealed asphalt?
Walking: Do not walk on freshly sealed asphalt until it is completely dry to the touch and the surface sheen is gone. Walking on wet sealer risks tracking it onto driveways, sidewalks, garage floors, or interior surfaces. If this happens, we can advise on cleanup, but responsibility for tracking damage rests with the property owner. Driving: Wait 24 to 48 hours before driving on newly sealed asphalt. We add drying agents to our sealer mix to help accelerate the cure, but shaded areas and humid conditions can extend drying time. It is the property owner's responsibility to control vehicle access after our crew has completed the job. Turning your wheels: For the first two to three days after sealing, avoid turning your steering wheel while your vehicle is stationary. Sharp turns with stopped wheels can leave tire marks in the sealer. Always be moving when turning. If marks do appear, they will typically fade and blend into the surrounding sealer over time.
Common concerns after sealcoating - what's normal and what isn't.
After your driveway or parking lot is sealed, you may notice a few things that look unusual. Most of them are completely normal: Water puddle stains and discoloration — Rain puddles, animal droppings, and tire marks can leave stains on a freshly sealed surface. These are surface-level and will fade and blend into the surrounding sealer naturally over time. No action is needed. Sealer near grass edges — We use boards along the edges of your driveway or parking lot to prevent sealant from getting onto grass and landscaping. Occasionally a small amount may still reach the grass. It will not harm the lawn — the grass will grow through and cover it within a few cuttings. Rust stains appearing through the sealer — If rust was present in the original asphalt material when it was laid, it can reappear through the sealer surface over time. This is a chemical characteristic of the original pavement material, not a sealing defect. It's cosmetic only and does not affect the structural integrity of the surface. Sealer does not fill cracks or smooth imperfections — Sealant is a liquid protective coating, not a patching or leveling compound. It will not fill cracks, smooth out dips, or make damaged pavement look like new construction. What it will do is improve the overall appearance and significantly extend the life of the existing surface. Any cracks or depressions should be addressed separately before or during the sealing process.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help.
The best way to know exactly what your pavement needs is a free, no-obligation on-site estimate. Freddie, Kayla, and the Black Cat crew will walk your property, assess the surface, and give you a straight answer- no sales pressure, no confusing jargon.
Call 740-501-4398 — available 7 days a week, 8AM to 8PM — or use our online quote request form.
